Hi everyone! This is my newest story! I'd like you to know some things about this version of the world, since it's pretty different. There are both male and female claymores, the ranking is still the same and I believe that's all you need to know for now. Please enjoy!
"talking"
'thinking'
Flashback/dream
Disclaimer: I do not own Claymore
Chapter 1
A young boy with dirt blond hair and golden inhuman eyes glared down a horrid monster with the same golden eyes. They both charged, but the boy's claymore sword sliced through the monster's head with little trouble.
While walking away, the boy met up with a man in a black had, sunglasses, and all black clothing. "Ruvuru…" the boy said, wondering what his next assignment would be
"Hello. Your next town is quite a surprise actually… It's town 13 in area 13…" Ruvuru said with a slight smile
"They've finally been hit? It's been five years since the last time." The boy commented in surprise, in his area attacks were of quantity rather than quality. So an attack would occur to a village at least once a year, this village was untouched for five. The organization had been observing them, but there was nothing that could explain why the sudden lack of Yoma.
"Yes. Head there right away, and while you're at it… look for the reason they were untouched for so long…" Ruvuru ordered
"Sure." The boy replied, already set up for the travel
In the small village, a bloody corpse could be seen on the streets. The villagers had surrounded to poor soul, knowing full well what caused his death. "It's the sixth one already." A villager commented
"Damnit… the last was only three days ago!" Another cursed
"What are we going to do? If this goes on, we'll…"
"A Yoma must be in this village."
"It's going to be disastrous if we don't do something."
With that in mind, the adult villagers went to their leader's home to discuss their course of action. "Village Leader! It's the sixth victim! What do we do? Do we just sit here and wait to become the Yoma's dinner? We definitely can't let them hide among humans and eat us all alive!" they yelled
A hand slammed on the table "That's why we have to think of something! If those Yomas transform so they resemble humans, there is no way we can tell them apart with the naked eye! Or are we going to pick out all the suspicious looking guys?" A young man with brown hair and eyes yelled, furious
"Calm down Zaki." An old man behind him said
"Village Leader…" Zaki silenced himself
The village Leader put a letter on the table; at this all the villagers were confused how it would fix anything. "I've received this letter a few days ago; one will most likely come to our village. A Claymore…"
All the villagers were shocked to hear the news. "Claymore..? Really? Help from those guys…" the villagers were hesitant to get help from such beings
"There is no other way… the truth is the truth, only they can distinguish a human from a Yoma." The leader explained
"But, village leader… I…" Zaki tried to say
"Even if you object" the leader interrupted "We'll have to take out a large sum of money… if this keeps up, it's going to endanger the lives of the people in this village. The number of people here living in rear is rising. It's best we take action now." With that, the leader ended their meeting and all the men left the house. As they were leaving, the other men discussed their opinion on the Claymores.
While Zaki was exiting the house he was met up with a young girl of 15 with sun-kissed blond hair that reached her chest and bright grey eyes that were border line silver "Ni-chan, the Claymores you were talking about… what is it?" she asked
"Kari…so you've heard…" Zaki stated
"Oh, it's just a coincidence. I was just outside the window." Kari 'explained'
"You didn't purposely stay outside to window to listen, right?" Zaki asked suspiciously
"No! I was playing behind the Leader's house when I heard. You were all pretty loud too." Kari said with a cute pout on her face "But come one, what's this Claymore you were talking about? Are they going to take care of the Yoma?" she asked
Zaki sighed, knowing full well he might as well just answer her "That's right, Claymore is an organization to protect humans from Yomas, and is also the name given to people from that place. They are contracted to kill Yomas and make money this way as a living. They are the only humans in this world that can deal with Yomas." He explained
"Whoa… they must be really cool!" Kari exclaimed
"No…" Zaki said, catching her attention "People are cautious when dealing with them… Those guys… they mix the Yoma's blood and flesh into their own bodies to become half-man and half-Yoma. That is the only reason why they can take on Yomas." Zaki explained
"What?" Kari exclaimed "How…?"
"They all possess silver eyes that can distinguish nearby Yomas, it's said that when they are about to kill a Yoma, their eyes will sparkle a beast-like color… because of this, they are often called 'Silver-eyed killers', 'Silver-eyed monsters' and names like that." Zaki described
When he was finished, a commotion could be heard "They're here! Claymore! Silver-eyed Monsters!"
Kari immediately followed to crowd to see the new comer "Kari! Wait a sec!" Zaki called
At the village's entrance there was an almost adult boy in a strange armor with a small cape and a large claymore sword on his back. He had short dirt blond hair, stunning silver eyes, and an extremely serious face; he was also the most handsome boy Kari had ever seen. But the other villagers had different thoughts "Scary…This is my first time seeing one… This is the silver-eyed monster… It's like the rumors said… equipped with a large sword while wearing expensive and elegant gear, and a figure which doesn't match… Look at him. No wonder everyone calls them 'Claymore'." They commented to each other.
The boy stared intently at all of them, frightening them to no end. They continued to talk amongst each other as to whether their decision was a right one. Kari was still too stunned to notice anything. The boy started to walk up to them and the villagers immediately moved out of his way and took Kari with them. Kari watched him walk away thinking 'Why does he feel familiar?'
Over at the leader's home, the leader welcomed the young boy and put the money prepared on the table "This…this is the contract fee, it's all here. Please count."
"No need." The boy replied, his voice would have been soothing if it wasn't so monotonous
"Huh?" the leader asked, confused
"If the mission is completed, then a collector will come for the money. If that time comes, give it to him." The boy explained "If I fail and die, you don't need to pay" he stated bluntly
"Ah…Yes… Is…is that so…" the leader replied, intimidated by the young boy "Then…how soon can you do it? Can you start right away?" he asked
"The target is set. But if it's experienced and can control the release of its powers, then it's going to be more difficult to find." The boy started to explain "But don't worry, I'll find it. Sooner or later, either my dead body of the Yoma's will be lying on the ground." The boy said before leaving the house.
As soon as the door closed, the leader's legs collapsed under him. "My life just got shortened… It's worse than I thought. I originally thought that he would be more like a human but… I can feel… that he is closer to a Yoma."
Outside, the Claymore was already searching for the Yoma. The villagers were staying clear of him and he was perfectly fine with that. The Claymore continued to search when he felt a faint presence of a Yoma behind him, his eyes immediately turned gold and he took his sword out to face it. "Ah!" what he found was young Kari behind him. "Um… sorry for disturbing you?" Kari apologized, not entirely understanding why there was a sword to her face. "I just wanted to follow you for a while." She explained
The Claymore had no reply and simply sheathed his sword and continued on his way
"Hey…Onii-san! Onii-san is one of those from Claymore right?" Kari asked while continuing to follow him
"No." he bluntly replied
"Huh?" Now Kari was just confused
"Our organization doesn't have a name. That's just what people call us." He explained 'Why am I bothering?' he had to wonder
"Ah… I was normally really scared, but you're just a normal guy!" Kari exclaimed "I thought you would be really scary…" she stated with a bright smile
This surprised the Claymore "You're not afraid of me?" he asked, still not comprehending what she just said
"Hm? What's there to be afraid of? You're just another normal Onii-san." Kari explained "Though… compared to the other guys here, you're much better looking than them." She speculated
The Claymore had to admit, the girl interested him. But he had a job to do, so he continued his path. Kari continued to follow him all the way to the village exit. "Ah! That's the village exit!" she yelled
The boy was surprised "The village boundaries is that small?" he asked
"Well, outside is the coal mine." Kari explained
At that, the Claymore took out his sword and stabbed it to the ground before sitting himself upon it. Kari cocked her head at his action. "I need to rest. I've been traveling non-stop for the past 3 days." He explained
Kari started to look for something and found a large stick and copied the Claymore's action while slightly giggling.
"Why… are you so interested in me?" the Claymore asked
"Because people are afraid of you even though you try to help us." She explained while thinking 'And you have the same job…' She continued her 'explanation' "The first ones to die by this Yoma were my foster parents. At that time, I was right there, but I wasn't able to do anything. When I woke up, only my foster big brother was left. So I guess I kind of want you to avenge them." She said with a sad smile
"Why do you have a foster family? What happened to your own?" the Claymore asked
"My mom died when I was a baby and my dad was raising me until five years ago when he left me here for my safety. I don't really know what I was in danger from, but I trusted him. I'm sure he's still out there, doing whatever he needs to." Kari explained
'Five years ago?' the Claymore wondered 'Could she be the reason for the village's peace? If so, then why is it suddenly attacked again?' he speculated "Did your father tell you anything while leaving?" he asked
"Hm? Yeah, he said that I won't ever have to worry about being attacked by a Yoma. And in a way, he's right. I mean, even when my family was getting attacked, the monster never once tried to even touch me." Kari explained
The Claymore was more than shocked 'She is the reason… But why?' he knew that he wouldn't get any answers though.
At that moment, the sound of bells could be heard from the clock tower. "Ah! Sorry, it's time to go home and prepare dinner! We're living at my uncle's house right now!" Kari exclaimed while getting up. Before completely leaving she yelled "My name is Kari! What's yours?" she called
"There's no need to tell you. It's going to be a forgotten name soon anyway…" the boy replied sadly.
"Eh?" Kari didn't understand, but continued on her way. She ran into her home yelling "Sorry! I'll prepare dinner right away! Please wait!" But she found her uncle on the floor. "Huh?" he was covered in blood
"You're home huh, Kari?" Zaki said behind her
"Ni-chan! Something bad happened! Uncle…he!"
But Zaki's face was disfigured now, he had golden eyes, sharp teeth with blood all over it, and veins were popping all around his face "Heh heh. Uncle's organs… are really delicious."
Kari couldn't believe her eyes "Ni…Ni-chan?"
"This has been too tough. Having to act in front of you… the most delicious… What? You can't sense it? Even if it's siblings… When I ate your brother, along with your parents, I swallowed his body and brain whole. It's the only way that I can use this boy's memory and thinking patterns….This is why you humans can't detect us." All while he was saying this, Zaki's body was becoming more and more disfigured "I was planning on staying in this village a bit longer…But no, you guys had to get that man…I'll eat you last and then leave. And let that brat wonder around in the village that I have left!" at this moment, the Yoma's eyes were tearing up "Crying? It's probably your brother's memory making me cry. What a deep relationship. HAHAHA!" he ridiculed
Kari was fuming; she remembered something her father once told her. If you ever meet a Yoma and truly wish to fight it because it has done you wrong. Then in your mind, think 'release' and let your power soar.
And that's exactly what Kari did 'Release!' she thought while charging the Yoma.
The Yoma had already expected this and planed to swat her away, but she suddenly gained a speed humans shouldn't be able to reach and slammed her fist right into his face. "Wha?" the monster exclaimed "How could a simple human do such things?" Unknown to them both, Kari's eyes were the same bright silver the Claymore's were.
Suddenly, the Claymore crashed into the room through the roof. Landing right in between them. "It's… It's you!" the Yoma exclaimed while backing away
"The girl had the scent of Yomas. So I followed her." The boy explained
"Onii-san!" Kari exclaimed out of relief, her eyes returning to their human grey, before seeing the same golden eyes on him. Kari couldn't believe her eyes. 'Those eyes…'
The Yoma started to laugh maniacally "Come and be my opponent! What can a human do anyway! Honestly, when I first saw you, I got scared! But such elegant looks giving you such a harmless presence, I don't see why the others were so scared of you!" he yelled before rushing the Claymore "Humans and beats are too different! What can that huge sword do!" The Yoma's arms came down to the Claymore and broke even the floor tiles
"Onii-san!" Kari screamed, still very worried for the Claymore
"Too slow." The Claymore commented from behind the Yoma and took a swing at the Yoma's arm
The Yoma couldn't believe the Claymore's speed "Wha…What? No way!"
The Claymore rushed the Yoma and in response the Yoma swung its arm. The Claymore disappeared and reappeared behind the Yoma again and tried to slice it. This time the Yoma jumped away in time.
While in the air the Yoma muttered to himself "This…No way…"
However, the Claymore was already waiting for him on the wall above him. This time, the Claymore's swing took off the Yoma's arm. The Yoma screamed in pain "Why! Why does a half-man half-Yoma have such superior movements?" the Yoma rushed to Kari, who was still too shocked to move or defend herself "Then I'll just use this girl as a shield! What? Then you'll kill her too!" he yelled
The Claymore just cut off the Yoma's arm from behind Kari, leaving her unscathed. The Yoma screamed again at the loss of his other arm.
"Do you know why a half Yoma can kill a pure one?" the Claymore asked
The Yoma was really panicking now "Please… I beg you to let me go…" the monster just continued to repeat those words
"Within our body runs the blood of Yomas…having you swift movements…" the Claymore continued, ignoring the Yoma's begging "And…" now veins were popping all over the Claymore's body, especially his arms and face "This gives me the strength to slice and handle a claymore with one hand." By now, the Claymore looked more similar to the Yoma then he did a human being.
With no hesitation, the Claymore sliced through the Yoma; cutting it in half. Blood splattered everywhere hitting everything but Kari and the Claymore. Kari was now too shocked for words. The Claymore looked back at her with some sadness and interest 'Why did the blood avoid her? Oh well, my job is done here. And I think I'll keep her secret for now. I doubt it's of any importance. Though, I wish she didn't have to lose her only 'family' for my job…' while thinking this, the Claymore cleaned up his sword and prepared to leave the house.
The next day, the villagers were already talking about the night before and how Zaki was the Yoma.
Kari was inside the leader's house and was still too shocked to speak or even react to most of what was being spoken.
"She's been like this the whole time." The leader commented
"She's been though such a horrifying ordeal. You can't blame her." Another man added
The leader put his hand on Kari's shoulder "Kari, just forget about it. Forget everything you saw yesterday."
His words shocked Kari as she though back to what the Claymore told her. "It's going to be a…forgotten name soon anyway."
"What about the boy?" the man asked
"He already has a new job and is going to the next town." The leader replied "Honestly, I'm relieved. I wouldn't have been able to take it if he was here any longer."
"The bottom line is, Yomas and Claymores and similar things." The man agreed
With that, Kari leapt from where she was and ran out the door. As she was running she thought of her conversation with the Claymore "You're… not afraid of me?" "There's no need to tell you…It's going to be a forgotten name soon anyway."
When she reached the village entrance she yelled at the top of her lungs "ONII-SAN!" The Claymore looked behind him in shock "I'm sorry! I was really scared! It was really scary when my foster mother and father were killed! But I pretended not to be scared or angry! That's why…I won't forget! Onii-san helped me get rid of the Yoma; I'll never forget you Onii-san! Thank you Onii-san! I'm really glad to have met you!"
The Claymore couldn't believe his ears 'That's the first time someone thanked me for my work…' but he turned his back on her and continued on his way
Kari decided to try one last time "My name is Kari! Please tell me your name!"
The last thing the Claymore said to her was "It's Artum."
